The Bible verse Mark 7:20 in the King James Version (KJV) states: "And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man."

This verse comes from a passage in the Gospel of Mark where Jesus is speaking to a crowd about the nature of sin and defilement. In this particular passage, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees and scribes who have criticized his disciples for not following the traditional practices of ceremonial washing before eating.

In Mark 7:14-23, Jesus explains to the crowd that it is not what goes into a person (such as food) that defiles them, but rather what comes out of their hearts. He goes on to list a number of sinful behaviors and attitudes that originate from within a person, such as evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly.

The message in this verse is a powerful reminder that our actions and words are a reflection of what is in our hearts. It is not enough to simply follow outward religious practices or rituals; true holiness and righteousness come from a transformed heart. As Jesus explains elsewhere in the Gospels, "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34, KJV).

One of the key themes in this passage is the contrast between outward religious observance and true inner righteousness. The Pharisees and scribes were focused on following the letter of the law and maintaining outward appearances of holiness, but Jesus challenged them to examine their hearts and motives. This theme is also echoed in other parts of the Bible, such as in the book of Isaiah, where God denounces empty religious rituals and calls for true justice, mercy, and righteousness (Isaiah 1:11-17, KJV).

Another important theme in this verse is the concept of defilement. In the Old Testament, there are numerous laws and regulations regarding ritual purity and cleanliness. These laws were intended to set the Israelites apart as a holy people and to teach them about the importance of spiritual purity. However, Jesus's words here indicate that true defilement comes from within, from the sinful nature of humanity. This aligns with the teachings of the apostle Paul, who wrote extensively about the sinful nature of humanity and the need for inner transformation (Romans 7:14-25, KJV).

The symbolism in this verse is profound, as it speaks to the universal human experience of wrestling with our sinful nature. The idea that our words and actions originate from our hearts is a powerful and convicting truth. It reminds us that we are in constant need of God's grace and the work of the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and minds.

In conclusion, Mark 7:20 in the King James Version offers a timeless and powerful message about the nature of sin, defilement, and true righteousness. It challenges us to examine our hearts and motives, and to seek inner transformation rather than simply following outward religious rituals. The themes of inner versus outward righteousness, the nature of defilement, and the symbolism of the heart as the source of our actions and words all contribute to the profound significance of this verse. It is a timeless reminder of the universal human need for redemption and transformation.